I want to create a demonstration of some application software and
output it to a  format readable by Windows Media Player or Real Media
Player.  I don't want to include any video (my face adds nothing to
the app, trust me).  Just a simple demonstration with my voice over
the screen shots.  A good example is the type of canned software
demoes you see on www.salesforce.com.

I'm looking for something quick and easy to use.  I want to get the
demo loaded by this weekend.  If I have to give one more live demo I'm
gonna wretch.

If you post an answer like "You can do it with XYZ software and it's
quick and EASY  to use", please include your Math SAT score.  Easy is
relative.

gooru-ga

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Request for Question Clarification by omnivorous-ga on 23 Oct 2002 10:03 PDT

Gooru --

There are a couple of things that could help researchers answer this
question:

1.  How will the demonstrations be delivered to customers?  In person?
 Via e-mail?  Via Internet pages?  The saleforce.com demos are simply
screen shots and text in HTML.

2.  Will you be changing the presentation very often?

3.  Do you have access to a tool like Adobe Photoshop or Paint Shop
Pro to do your screen captures?

4.  Would you be willing to consider an alternative, such as
Powerpoint to do the demos?  Files will be larger but capable of
audio, screen shots and use of Powerpoint's presentation tools.

Best regards,

Omnivorous-GA

I believe that CamStudio is the tool you want to use.  It's inclusion
on NoNags.com means that not only is it freeware, it is available
without continual registration prompts.  This tool captures your
computer screen (or a smaller region of your screen if you prefer) and
outputs the file to AVI format, compatible with Windows Media Player. 
It can also create a soundtrack for the AVI file by recording from the
microphone or from the sound channeled to your computer speakers
during your screen capture.

Rendersoft CamStudio
http://www.rendersoftware.com/products/camstudio/

One thing that is nice about this approach is that you can either
record a live demo of the software, or, if you have an existing demo
in another format, such as PowerPoint, you can capture the PowerPoint
presentation to record it as an AVI file.

I hope that you find this information useful and easy to understand. 
However, if anything remains unclear, please do not hesitate to post a
Clarification Request before rating this answer.


Search Strategy:  Check NoNags.com for freeware solutions.
Search Terms:  Screen capture AVI

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Request for Answer Clarification by gooru-ga on 23 Oct 2002 13:24 PDT

hi snapanswer-ga,

And your Math SAT score was?

gooru-ga
"Google Answers when time is money"

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Clarification of Answer by snapanswer-ga on 23 Oct 2002 15:23 PDT

I was hoping to answer without posting that.  Since I avoided saying
that using the software would be easy, I thought I could also avoid
posting my Math SAT score (which I don't remember).  Oh well, I guess
I will have to post it after all.  I can't imagine that my math score
was higher than 650.

As you suggest, there is no way to predict how easy the software will
be to use.  My expectation is that you will find the software useful
(and free).  Good luck with your project.

The CamMedia software appears to do exactly what I want... and free
to.  I was able to get a basic demo presentation done in about 10
minutes.  Your answer saved my two days of flogging around on the Net.
 Best five dollars I've spent in a long time.

Google's not accepting any more researchers right now, but I have a
solution to your problem.  http://www.qarbon.com has a very simple
tool called ViewletBuilder to make onscreen demos.  The filesize is
small, you can add voiceovers and comments, and it's very, very (I
swear) easy to learn and use.  I'd say the learning curve is about
half an hour, and then you can produce a demo in another hour after
that.  Give it a try.  Good luck!

Aldente -- you used the magic words.  Math SAT scores please ;=)

When I viewed the Qarbon web site, it appears that the files are
output as Flash files, rather than AVI files.  Also, it appears that
the software is priced at $899.  These two factors lead me to
Rendersoft's CamStudio, mentioned above.